In a statement the Secretary of State for Education said: "I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be Prime Minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.

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LEADERSHIP: Gove says he does not think Boris is the man for the job

"I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.

"But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.

"I have, therefore, decided to put my name forward for the leadership."

“I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead”

Michael Gove

Andrea Leadsom, the Minister of State for Energy at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, has also announced she is running.

Leadsom announced her campaign by tweeting: "Let's make the most of the Brexit opportunities!"

Boris Johnson is expected to officially his drive to become next Tory leader and PM later today.

His leadership qualities have been questioned Michael Goveis wife in a leaked email.